Sun Belt: Grayson McCall Adds To His Legacy With First Win At App State

McCall's Chanticleers downed the Mountaineers 27-24 on Tuesday

© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

The Appalachian State Mountaineers hosted Coastal Carolina Tuesday night on a chilly evening in Boone, North Carolina. While the Mountaineer faithful were hoping for yet another home win, the Chanticleers had other plans, securing a 27-24 victory.

Coastal Carolina return to Conway with a 3-3 record after Kade Hensley kicked the winning field goal as time expired. But, that kick was far from the only talking point CFB fans will have from this game. 

These three things stood out from the early-week dose of Sun Belt action.

Vintage Grayson McCall

Cleared for takeoff.#BALLATTHEBEACH | #FAM1LY | #TEALNATION pic.twitter.com/yqZyZOm4De

— Coastal Football (@CoastalFootball) October 11, 2023

Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall hasn't quite looked the same this season compared to what he was able to do under former coach Jamey Chadwell. Tuesday night was a reminder of what McCall can do, at this best. 

The three-time Sun Belt player of the year finished with a career high in passing yards with 373 and two touchdowns. 

McCall gave the kind of performance we've grown used to seeing from him: throwing, rushing, blocking, and playing with the unbridled passion you expect from someone with that luscious of a mullet. 

Grayson McCall takes out two! #FunBelt pic.twitter.com/0gBorvs0mS

— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) October 11, 2023

Grayson McCall has left the building. @NCGridiron pic.twitter.com/vAZCvdcel8

— Brian Barnes (@NCGridironNews) October 11, 2023

A Night of Firsts

On a night when we were reminded of Coastal Carolina teams past, it was also a night of a couple significant firsts.

The most significant was undoubtedly Coastal's first win at App State in program history. The Chanticleers were 0-6 prior to this contest on trying to beat the Mountaineers in Boone. 

The night also marked the first conference win of Tim Beck's tenure with the Chanticleers and his first road win since taking the job.

No Winning Streak

With the loss, App State have not won multiple games in a row since October 19/29, 2022. It was also the Mountaineers' first home loss since last September 24 (James Madison).

A big reason for the loss? Arguably, the lack of a rushing attack. After averaging 130.2 yards per game, App State running back Nate Noel carried the ball just one time for one yard in this game.